Police hitting their targets
SOCIAL media wags were quick to provide their own captions for a picture of Runcorn police officers having a go at archery ahead of a park activities event.
Runcorn Local Policing Unit (LPU) tweeted the image of the two bobbies poised, bows drawn, a few days before the Phoenix Park Experience on Friday, August 4.
It did not take long for the quips about police funding shortages and crime-fighting innovations to start flying.
PC Roads Police @ MikeBignell820 said: “I know budgets are tight and Tasers are expensive but bows and arrows are a little extreme.”
Lisa @AnneChallinor said: “There’s me thinking it was the new public order training.”
Mark Todd @Marktod92684914 said: “Going backwards back to bow and arrows sort out criminals lol cost saving or what.”
SN: AFU @madgaz78 said: “The future of #ArmedPolicing in the #UK #BudgetCutsStink.”
The bows were part of an archery practice arranged by Runcorn club Kyujutsu, set up by former soldier Richie O’Connell ● and brother-in-law Chris Ord.
The Phoenix Park Xperience took place on Friday and replaced previous years’ Party In The Park events in a bid to nurture good relations between the police and young people and showcase clubs available in the area.
Activities at the event included American football, cheerleading, boxing, target sports and birds of prey.
Police units have boosted their social media presence in recent years and more residents spend more time online.
Chief Inspector Sarah Heath said: “Social media is such an important tool for us to engage and communicate with our communities.
“We try to provide light hearted posts as well as important serious messages to increase interaction with the public.”